From part-time jobs to professional careers – that’s the path Caloundra teenager Louis Cadman and Mihkaela Weaver are travelling via the Sunshine Coast Job Show.

The Sunshine Coast Council initiative on August 20 has turned out to be a life-changing experience for the Sunshine Coast duo.
Louis, 18, secured a four-year plastering apprenticeship on the day through East Coast Apprenticeships and recently started work with a small Sunshine Coast company.

“I’d been through a few jobs while I was at school at a pizza store, a shoe store, Bunnings and Kmart but that was all casual work and I needed something a bit more permanent because I’m getting older and I wanted to put my head down and do something with my life,” Louis said.

“I went to the Job Show with it in the back of my head that I could get a job out of this.

“I definitely thought an apprenticeship was going to be ‘me’ and I had some knowledge about plastering so I decided to go for it and I’m so glad I did.”

Mikhaela, 21, this week started her new full-time career with Comlink, a not-for-profit registered charity that delivers transport and social support to frail aged people and people with disabilities.

“I’m four years out of school and have a Bachelor of Science degree, but job satisfaction and the feeling of making a positive difference to other people’s lives was something I really needed,” she said.

“I had researched what Comlink were all about and I thought that’s pretty great so when I heard they were exhibiting at the Job Show I couldn’t wait to get there.

“The chance to connect face to face on the day with Comlink was terrific and I’m so excited to embark on this new opportunity in the health sector.”   

Louis and Mikhaela were among 65 locals who’ve already scored jobs through the August 20 Job Show. More than 250 other participants secured job interviews and around 900 resumes were handed out to local employers on the day.

East Coast Apprenticeships Employment Consultant Nicole Wadsworth said Louis’s success at the Job Show highlighted the event’s value to the Sunshine Coast.

“The Job Show had a real point of difference from your typical careers expo,” she said.

“It enabled job seekers like Louis to approach us and fellow exhibitors and achieve real employment outcomes on the day.
“To see more than 2000 people participate on the day, and the number of people who’ve already earned jobs or job interviews as a result, clearly indicates the need for this event to continue into the future.”   

Comlink Human Resource Manager Tammie Guy said the August 20 event had provided an ideal setting to find suitable employees.
“Mikhaela came over to where we were exhibiting and showed a genuine interest that I picked up on straight away by being able to meet with her face to face,” she said.

“Comlink also signed up around 60 volunteers from the Job Show and we were also able to discuss possible upcoming traineeship opportunities with interested people on the day.”

Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Stephen Robinson said the success of the Job Show highlighted the confidence that exists in the local economy.

“More than 500 jobs were advertised at the Job Show and council believes this demonstrates that we’re getting the economic setting right because those jobs wouldn’t be offered unless employers have confidence that the region is moving forward at pace,” he said.

“The Job Show supported the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) that aims to triple the size of our economy to $33 billion over the next 20 years and increase the number of jobs in our seven High Value industries from 59,000 to 100,000.

“The important thing for council is to make sure people have confidence in the economy and that our small businesses are encouraged to expand because when they do that, job opportunities arise. We’re very confident that over the next few years as the local economy continues to grow  there’s going to be lots more employment opportunities.”  

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From part-time jobs to a professional career – that’s the path Caloundra teenager Louis Cadman is now on thanks to the Sunshine Coast Job Show.

The Sunshine Coast Council initiative turned out to be a life-changing experience for the 18-year old, who secured a four-year plastering apprenticeship on the day through East Coast Apprenticeships. 

“I’d been through a few jobs while I was at school at a pizza store, a shoe store, Bunnings and Kmart but that was all casual work and I needed something a bit more permanent because I’m getting older and I wanted to put my head down and do something with my life,” Louis said. 

“I went to the Job Show with it in the back of my head that I could get a job out of this. I definitely thought an apprenticeship was going to be ‘me’ and I had some knowledge about plastering so I decided to go for it and I’m so glad I did!” 

Louis will start his apprenticeship next week with a small Sunshine Coast company.

He’s one of 65 locals who’ve already scored jobs through the August 20 Job Show. More than 250 other participants earned job interviews and around 900 resumes were handed out to local employers.

East Coast Apprenticeships Employment Consultant Nicole Wadsworth said Louis’s success at the Job Show highlighted the event’s value to the Sunshine Coast. 

“The Job Show had a real point of difference from your typical careers expo,” she said. 

“It enabled job seekers like Louis to approach us and fellow exhibitors and achieve real employment outcomes on the day.

“To see more than 2000 people participate on the day and the number of people who’ve already earned jobs or job interviews as a result clearly indicates the need for this event to continue into the future.”    

Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Stephen Robinson said the success of the Job Show highlights the confidence that exists in the local economy.

“More than 500 jobs were advertised at the Job Show and council believes this demonstrates that we’re getting the economic setting right because those jobs wouldn’t be offered unless employers have confidence that the region is moving forward at pace,” Cr Robinson said.

“The Job Show supported the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) that aims to triple the size of our economy to $33 billion over the next 20 years and increase the number of jobs in our seven High Value industries from 59,000 to 100,000.

“The important thing for Council is to make sure people have confidence in the economy and that our small businesses are encouraged to expand because when they do that, job opportunities arise.

“We’re very confident that over the next few years as the local economy continues to grow  there’s going to be lots more employment opportunities.”  

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THE way forward after school was unclear for Jessica Rigby King, 18, from Peregian until she stepped into the Sunshine Coast job show. 

Jessica is in Year 12 at St Andrew’s Anglican College and attended the show with her grandmother Jacqui Rigby King who plays the “mum” role in Jessica’s life.

Jacqui said she had been supporting Jessica in her quest to study beyond high school and had been looking for a scholarship.

“Sadly it was really at the point where if she didn’t get a scholarship then there was just no way that we could afford it,” she said.

“I saw an advertisement for the job show and I said ‘Jess, let’s go there’.

“We received information about the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation Scholarship  because we were on the job show mailing list and so I encouraged her to apply.”

To Jessica’s and Jacqui’s surprise and delight it was announced at the show that Jessica was the recipient of the scholarship.

Jessica will finish high school with an impressive array of certification.

She is studying a Certificate III in business and has just finished her Certificate III in tourism.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed and grateful for this scholarship… my life has just changed,” she said.

“I was originally thinking that I was coming to the job show to find a job but now I can be a full-time student it’s awesome.

“I’m going to study a diploma in travel and tourism here at TAFE. I think I’d like to be a travel agent but I’m not sure what else there is to do in the industry.

“It’s hard to know what jobs are out there because I’ve been at school and not in the working world so TAFE will be an exciting place.”

The scholarship is funded by the Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) for TAFE Queensland East Coast study.

The name of the scholarship is the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation Scholarship. 

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Getting to and from the Sunshine Coast’s largest one-stop shop of current and upcoming job vacancies today won’t cost you a thing. Council’s providing free buses to the TAFE Mooloolaba Campus from five locations leaving this morning and early this afternoon. More than 800 job seekers are expected to attend and seek jobs from 60 public and private sector organisations registered for the event.

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Getting to and from the Sunshine Coast’s largest one-stop shop of current and upcoming job vacancies today won’t cost you a thing. Council’s providing free buses to the TAFE Mooloolaba Campus from five locations leaving this morning and early this afternoon. More than 800 job seekers are expected to attend and seek jobs from 60 public and private sector organisations registered for the event.

The post Thousands head to JobShow appeared first on The JobShow.

THIS years’ Sunshine Coast Job Show on Thursday is expected to attract thousands of visitors to TAFE Queensland East Coast’s Mooloolaba campus. More than 50 employers registered to participate in the event. 

“We are looking forward to supporting job seekers or people exploring their options next week,” Dr Paul Wilson, General Manager TAFE Queensland East Coast said.

“We work with more than 150 employers, organisations and community groups and have been highly successful in tailoring training to meet the needs of industry while ensuring the best possible employment outcomes for the community.”

While finding a job can be tough going, there are some exciting opportunities on the Sunshine Coast emerging with health and community services employment figures set to double between 2011 and 2031 to 43,000 new jobs.  

“We strive to be responsive to this growth with training programs designed to reduce the chance of skills deficiencies while giving students the best possible chance at securing a role,” Dr Wilson said.

“As part of this process we are constantly increasing the amount of flexible, online and workplace delivery options available.”

The Sunshine Coast is also evolving into a hub for creative industries. Over the past six months TAFE Queensland East Coast has developed a range of courses in digital media, graphic design, Information and Communication Technologies and music to support this evolution.

“Our graphic design courses have been so popular we had to provide a second semester intake for the first time,” Dr Wilson said.

More  than 87% of TAFE graduates gain employment or continue with further study within six months of completing.

• To register for the Sunshine Coast Job Show or find out more click here.

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MORE than 500 jobs will be up for grabs at next week’s Sunshine Coast Job Show.

Next Thursday’s event at TAFE East Coast’s campus at Mooloolaba will bring jobseekers face-to-face with some of the region’s largest employers.

Youi, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Sunshine Coast Council and Unitywater are just some of the employers who will operate stands alongside apprenticeship companies such as Acclaim and East Coast Apprenticeships.

And it won’t just be an information session, as jobseekers will be able to apply for jobs on the spot.

Today Kenan Hibberd, Unitywater’s executive manager people culture and safety, explains what the organisation will have on offer:

Q: What are some of the jobs you are likely to have available? A: At the Job Show, we will highlight positions in project management, customer service, electrical/chemical/mechanical engineering as well as trade roles like electricians and fitters. We also offer opportunities for apprentices, university graduates and young professionals.

Q: Some of the issues you have had in recruiting the right people? A: We do find a lot of competition for highly-skilled workers, particularly for qualified and experienced technical and professional people.

And we can struggle with capturing talented people with experience and knowledge before they leave the Sunshine Coast for the capital cities.

Q: Why you think the Job Show is a great way to find candidates?

A: It will allow us to get in front of both active and passive jobseekers; it will connect us with the community and allow us to showcase the variety of job opportunities Unitywater can offer as one of the region’s biggest employers. We are also keen to build a “talent pipeline” with candidates for future roles that may not be vacant yet.

Q: What sort of people/skills/experience are you looking for? 

A: We are looking for people who share Unitywater’s values, are innovative forward-thinkers and who show leadership potential.

Q: Any successes stories about current employees? IE young person straight from school, now a highly skilled or senior employee?

A: We have seen apprentices become fully qualified, plumbers progress through the ranks to become team leaders, specialist staff become managers and customer service officers become supervisors.

JOB FACTS

■ Find employees: Did you know that more than 70,000 jobseekers visit finda.com.au on a monthly basis?

■ Find out how to attract the right candidate by visiting http://www.finda.com.au

■ Looking for a job: Check out the Daily every Saturday or visit http://www.finda.com.au

■ Mentor a young person: SCILS email [email protected]

■ Visit the Job Show: Register at www.thejobshow.com.au

The post Real jobs on offer at Coast Job Show appeared first on The JobShow.

Last year the Sunshine Coast Job Show attracted more than a thousand visitors with over 40 employers filling more than 140 jobs on the spot.

This year is set to be the biggest show yet with over 50 employers already attending (and growing) and more than 550 job seekers pre-registered to attend the event.

“Visitors can bring their resume and apply then and there,” Kris McCue, event organiser and JobShow Director said.

“I recommend anyone looking for work or wanting explore their career and training options to come along and speak with the huge range of industry and education experts who will be there.”

It’s not just about jobs at the Job Show, there will be a section on how to start your own business, an education wing to help people develop the skills for the perfect job, workshops on how to write résumés and a lot more.

TAFE Queensland East Coast general manager Paul Wilson said the training provider was proud to be supporting the event again this year.

“The day provides a great opportunity for people seeking work from all ages and backgrounds to explore their employment and training options,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to delivering workshops on topics like interview techniques, how to keep your Facebook profile employment friendly and ways to maximise LinkedIn.”

When it comes to ensuring strong employment outcomes Dr Wilson said this was what TAFE Queensland’ East Coast ultimately stood for and formed part of its mission.

“TAFE’s point of difference is developing our students’ skills and employment options while meeting employer and community needs through a range of flexible modes of delivery,” he said.

“For example our events students are immersed in real work experiences during their first week of study, in fact our event students are participating in the organisation of this event.

“They provide tremendous support during internships with organisations like the Morcombe Foundation and Careflight during the year, delivering key awareness and fundraising events.”

The event is culturally supportive and is supported by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) and the Queensland Community Foundation.
 
To register for the Sunshine Coast Job Show or find out more visit www.thejobshow.com.au

Event details:

When: Thursday 20th August

Times:
• Attend either between
• 10.00am and 3.00pm OR
• 4.00pm and 7.00pm

Where: Mooloolaba Campus
• TAFE Queensland East Coast
• 34 Lady Musgrave Road
• Mountain Creek Q 4557

What’s on:
• Employment opportunities. Get a job on the spot!
• TAFE delivered workshops   
• Résumé writing help
• Presentations from major employers
• Employment tips and tricks
• Awesome giveaways including bikes, GoPros and more
• Indigenous art displays by local artist Kerry Neill
• Bush Tucker Cafe
• The Goombukkar indigenous cultural bus will be there providing a living history and storytelling experience with people able to learn about our local Indigenous places, people and culture

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PLENTY of employers have already lined up to take part in the Sunshine Coast Job Show and local job seekers are starting to prepare for a career launch pad.

Bindi Balazs, a 27-year-old Maroochydore resident is studying events management at TAFE East Coast’s Mooloolaba campus.

She was on hand at Wednesday’s Job Show launch at the Waterfront Hotel, gaining valuable experience and taking the opportunity to network with potential employers

“We’re currently in our second semester so we’ve just learnt all the basics of event management and now we’re putting everything into practice and that’s why we’re helping out here at the Job Show just to see how an expo is put together,” Ms Balazs said.

“We get a lot of hands-on experience so when we are ready to go out into the workforce we’ve already got many hours through work experience.

“The Job Show is fantastic because we’ve already networked with a few people today like Lauren from Novotel Twin Waters who’s offered us a couple of positions there so it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Juggling her studies with work for the Ironman organisation, Ms Balazs said she’d been impressed by the huge scope for event management.

She’d worked out the niche she’d like to work in.

“I want to get into PR and media through events so I want to work on the major sporting events, Commonwealth Games, Olympics, and do the PR and media work for that – so that’s my dream but I’ll have to go to uni and get a degree in PR first,” she said.

The Sunshine Coast Job Show, an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council, will put local employers and job seekers in the same venue, a perfect opportunity for those looking to break into the region’s workforce.

For information or to register for the August 20 event, head to thejobshow.com.au.

Help out

Find employees: Did you know that more than 70,000 jobseekers visit finda.com.au on a monthly basis?

Find out how to you can attract the right candidate by visiting http://www.finda.com.au

Looking for a job: Check out the Daily every Saturday or visit http://www.finda.com.au

Mentor a young person: SCILS email [email protected]

Visit the Job Show: Register at www.thejobshow.com.au

Did you know? Employers who offer jobseekers an ongoing job can receive a wage subsidy with flexible payment arrangements.

Eligible employers will receive up to $6500 if they hire an eligible job seeker under 30 years of age, an indigenous job seeker, a parent returning to the workforce or a long-term unemployed job seeker.

Visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

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